Rumour has been particularly busy during the last few days regarding the name of Sir Alexander Mackenzie's successor in the conductor's chair of the Philharmonic Society. Most of the better-known conductors in London have been mentioned in turn or together, and yet the final choice remains as uncertain as ever. As things go at present the position can scarcely be said to be an inviting one. A musician of very high standing, who has a love of music in his heart, and desires to maintain the honoured name of the Philharmonic concerts, has practically to fight single-handed against all the controlling forces of that body. The famous orchestra is almost entirely composed of most accomplished musicians, but however accomplished they may be separately this is not the thing. The efficiency of an orchestra depends not upon a ‘scratch’ and haphazard scrambling through of a programme, but upon thorough previous rehearsal, and ample opportunity of playing together, neither of which the officers of the Philharmonic Society at present afford.

[The conductor] should never put himself into contortions, or perform gymnastics, or otherwise render himself absurdly conspicuous on the platform, but should endeavour to cultivate a quiet, forcible, and dignified demeanour. The secret of good conducting does not lie in gesticulation but in the power to control others intellectually and artistically.